Obama to begin tough second term

STRONG START:Despite the myriad domestic and international challenges facing the leader of the US, a poll showed he has a high approval rating among Americans

AP, WASHINGTON

Beyond the debt-ceiling debate are other big budget fight such as the looming automatic cuts to defense and domestic programs, originally scheduled for Jan. 1, that will kick in in late winter unless Congress and the president act. In addition, the US budget runs dry in March, leading again to a potential shutdown unless both sides agree on new legislation.